WATCH | Former Arsenal and England goalkeeper David Seaman and Paul Merson recently visited the River Wye to make a film about angling and mental health

Former Arsenal and England goalkeeper David Seaman, and team-mate Paul Merson, recently visited the River Wye near Hay, to make a film about angling and its potential benefits to mental health and wellbeing. 

The film was produced by Tackle Chain Fishing Republic, and was hosted by Hereford Based Guiding Service Angling Escapades. 

David is a lifelong angler, and since his retirement from professional Football has been able to indulge in his passion for fishing. He is an ambassador for Fishing Republic.

Paul Merson, a regular Sky Sports pundit on Soccer Saturday, has openly documented his troubles with addiction and anxiety, but to this point had never fished. 

So the challenge was set to David Seaman to take Paul out for a days fishing, to try and change his sceptical view on the pastime. 

Dave Roberts of Angling Escapades said of the day:

“The projectwas great fun and it was nice to show the River Wye off to David and Paul. 

“We were nervous beforehand because we desperately wanted the guys to catch some of the Wye Barbel that bring people from all over the world to catch. 

“David is a quality angler, but this was all about engaging Paul with angling to see if his initial scepticism could be turned on its head.  

“Without spoiling the outcome, it’s fair to say The River Wye didn’t disappoint.”

The film can be viewed on the Fishing Republic or Angling Escapades YouTube channel.